This astonishing audio features a man's conversation with a 999 call handler after he contacted emergency services to complain about TOOTHACHE.

Police in Cleveland, Teesside, have released the audio recording as they urge people not to waste emergency responders time.

In the clip, the man can be heard complaining that he has a toothache and that his dentist is closed.

The operator asks incredulously if that is the only reason for ringing before berating him for such a trivial use of the emergency number.

Acting Chief Inspector Mark Hall said: “Every year lives are potentially put at risk by people who are not in an emergency situation dialling 999 and hoax callers tying up phone lines and operators, meaning that those in a genuine emergency situation may not reach the emergency services as quickly.

Time wasting: The man rang 999 to complain of having a toothache (Image: Getty)

“Inappropriate calls to the police service prevent and delay genuine emergency calls from getting through to the operators in our control room, potentially risking the lives of those who need urgent assistance.